Carol Loraine Porter

Carol is survived by her daughters Julie Bottom and Cindy Cruzen, grandson John Stewart, granddaughter Sophie Groves, and great grandchildren Graham and Serentity Groves. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Colonel Oliver E. “Ollie” Porter, eldest daughter Lani Porter, second husband of 12 years Gerald W. “Jerry” Hough and great granddaughter Mia Belle Groves.

Carol lived a long and full life. Born December 27, 1922 in Chetek, Wisconsin, she was named “Carol”, foretelling one of her most extraordinary gifts, a beautiful soprano singing voice. She overcame a very painful childhood in poverty with a minister father and a mentally ill mother. Despite her resolve not to marry a minister, providence led her to a young handsome minister bound for a life in military service. From that point on their lives were joined in a journey that took them to nearly all 50 states and at least 25 countries. As the wife of an Army officer and Chaplain she took on leadership positions wherever they were stationed. She professionally trained as a soloist, participated in or led chapel choirs, played both piano and organ, headed officer’s wives associations, entertained extensively, and personally organized and saw to the move of house and home for every assignment - no less than 13 times. Meanwhile she raised three daughters sewing many of their clothes, their dolls’ clothes and even her own; she preserved, canned, and froze all that Ollie grew in his gardens or brought home from his hunting trips.

Upon his retirement from the military, she accompanied him to Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s Foundation for Christian Living (FCL) whereupon she, too, took on an executive position as Director of Ministries for 15 years.

In that position she continued to hone her consummate writing skills that had earned her awards from as early as eleven years old. She was computer literate from the dawn of personal computers and up until a couple of months before her passing, she still used her computer daily. Her ability to write elegantly never flagged, amazing all with the poignance of her words and sharp insights. Upon retirement from FCL, Carol and Ollie moved first to San Antonio, Texas, and later coming full circle to their beloved state of Oregon where they had begun married life. There she lived for the last 27 years of her life.

After Ollie’s death, she was blessed with the marriage and companionship of long-term friend, Jerry Hough. The two were able to enjoy 12, wonderful years together sightseeing and traveling until Jerry’s passing in 2020.

Carol was an elegant and beautiful person inside and out. Her warmth and her spirit touched all who knew her. Kind and compassionate, she cared deeply for the people around her impacting countless lives. Her completely fulfilled her resolve to be “a generative, loving and faith-filled person who brings hope and healing to my family and to all who are in my life.” She is forever in our hearts and souls. She will be deeply missed.